sure

Everyday

1. If you are sure, you know something is true and have no doubt. tree →
2. «Make sure» means check or take care that something happens. tree →
3. «Sure» in speech means yes, of course. tree →
4. A sure thing is something certain to happen. tree →
5. Sure-footed means steady on your feet, not likely to slip or fall. tree →

In the lessons

In school maths: a word of the story; in chance problems «sure» or «certain» means it will always happen; «to be sure of getting two of the same colour» means think of the worst case. In everyday life: «Are you sure?», «Make sure you lock the door», «Sure, you can borrow it». Phrases: «make sure», «for sure», «be sure to», «I'm not sure».

Examples

• Is it sure that she picks a red ball? tree →
• He wants to be sure he has enough money. tree →
• Make sure you count both ends. tree →
• How many must you take to be sure of getting two of the same colour? tree →
• Are you sure you turned off the oven? tree →
• «Can I sit here?» «Sure!» tree →
• I'm not sure what the answer is. tree →
• Make sure you wear sunscreen at the beach. tree →
• They have therefore become very sure-footed. tree →

Note

«Sure of» something, «sure that» something is true, «sure to» do something. «Surely» is used in questions when you expect «yes». Maths: carries no number. In «to be sure of» problems think of the worst case. Trap: «sure» there means always, not just likely.

In Jewish tradition

Made firm and secure, said of the cave of Machpelah becoming Abraham's own.

Interpretation. Abraham bought the cave openly and paid for it. Tradition sees this as the first Jewish hold on the Land, in the place where the patriarchs and matriarchs are buried.

Examples

• And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a burying-place by the children of Heth. (Torah GEN.23.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thy testimonies are very sure, holiness becometh Thy house, O LORD, for evermore. (Writings PSA.93.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are sure. (Writings PSA.111.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• The wicked earneth deceitful wages; but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward. (Writings PRO.11.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Sure of» something, «sure that» something is true, «sure to» do something. «Surely» is used in questions when you expect «yes». Maths: carries no number. In «to be sure of» problems think of the worst case. Trap: «sure» there means always, not just likely.